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Automatism. By: Simone, Nivethan , Naveen , Sathyah and Jasmeet. What is it?. *Page 336 in text. In general refers to performing a routine task without thinking about the actions. According to law, it’s a person having no conscious control over his/her actions.
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Automatism By: Simone, Nivethan, Naveen, Sathyah and Jasmeet
What is it? *Page 336 in text. • In general refers to performing a routine task without thinking about the actions. • According to law, it’s a person having no conscious control over his/her actions. • Thus, he/she cannot be found criminally responsible due to the fact that they actually do not know the offence took place. • Generally controversial, viewed as getting away with murder. Others abuse it.
Types: • Non-insane automatism: a mental disease didn’t cause the act, instead, caused by other temporary factor. • E.g. sleepwalking, hypnotism, psychological shock
Types Cont’d: • Insane automatism: “mental disorder” that was not temporary caused the act; accused has chance of not being released into society. • E.g. bipolar, psychopath
Example: • R. v. Parks Case (Pg.276) • Kenneth Parks drove to his in-laws house, killed mother-in-law and seriously injured father in-law • Claimed to be sleepwalking, witnesses testified, confirming he suffered from sleepwalking and stress • Court accepted the defense
In Conclusion… • Automatism is when you are not in control of your actions • Non-insane: mental disease didn’t cause act • Insane:mental disease caused act • Difficult to prove and highly controversial